The Last Gunfighter: The Legend of the F-8 Crusader

The Air Zoo will hold "The Last Gunfighter: The Legend of the F-8 Crusader," a special presentation by retired Navy Cmdr. Rick Adams, on April 5 at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Adams will speak about his seasoned career as an F-8 Crusader pilot and more. He has amassed more than 4,000 hours and made more than 400 carrier landings in several different fighter aircraft. As a young lieutenant in Vietnam, Adams flew 125 combat missions and returned to the U.S. as one of its most decorated pilots.

The Navy awarded Adams the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic efforts over the jungles of Hanoi, purposefully exposing his aircraft to eight SA2 surface-to-air missiles which were fired at his aircraft during what went on to become a successful decoy mission. Adams flew with the Blue Angels in 1968 and 1969, serving as their press demonstration pilot. He also served several years as an air-to-air combat instructor before leaving the Navy to work in the private sector.

"The Last Gunfighter: The Legend of the F-8 Crusader" is included in the price of general admission.